6/04/2010

Throughout the off-season, we here at Pens Universe are going to provide you with player profiles that will summarize our opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of each player as well as highlighting their performance this past season, and we'll also include an outlook for the 2010-2011.

CHRIS KUNITZ

2009-10 Stats

Salary: $3,600,000

Points: 32

Goals: 13

Assists: 19

(+/-): 3

PIM: 39

Strengths:

Strong forecheck; hitting; speed; energy; net presence.

Weakness

Inconsistent shot; passing; puck handling.

09-10 Assessment

Chris was another player marred by injury this year. Missing a total of 32 regular season games he as still able to come up with 32 points on 13 goals. When he did play he stayed on the top line most of the season along side Sid. Still not the winger Crosby needs to snipe at all cost, Chris did do a great job at providing the top line with great energy and a physical presence. His most effective offensive play came in the playoffs being tied for third most points with 11.

Awards:

None

10-11 Outlook:

With some much needed rest ahead of him, Kunitz needs to put up numbers like he did in the 2006-2007 in order to maintain his top spot on Sid's wing. There are some budding young WBS boys making considerably less money at the moment. If a guy like Tangradi can provide a similar skill set, you might see Chris moved to free up some cap space for some deeper defenseman. We're big fans of Kunitz and hope that's not the case, but he does need to get off to an early start next season.

Worth his Salt?

Comparing Kunitz's 2010 $3.8MM salary to others around the league (Ryane Clowe, Marco Strum, etc) he seems to fit the bill.

With the Pens in 10-11?

Signed through 2011-12. Though may be the subject of trade rumors by the deadline.